Florence High School student's death under investigation

FLORENCE — Classmates were mourning the sudden death of a Florence High School freshman Monday evening on East Butte Avenue.

No foul play is suspected in the death of Dyrell Lopez, who was discovered to be in trouble shortly before 6 p.m. Monday. Someone began CPR on the ninth-grader, and police responded and took over CPR, Ben Bitter, assistant to the town manager, said.

Police called Mark Lamas, director of support services at Florence Unified School District. Florence High School Principal Toby Haugen and Assistant Superintendent Adam Leckie also responded. The teen was transported to Banner Ironwood Medical Center in Queen Creek, where he was pronounced dead.

Bitter and Rita Ezzai, FUSD spokeswoman, said Tuesday afternoon the cause of death was unknown. Police are still investigating the cause of death, however.

Tuesday morning, school officials shared what happened with students in the ninth-grade class, many of whom have known Lopez since elementary school. School psychologists were available Tuesday to talk to students.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dyrell Lopez, as they grieve the loss of a son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend,” FUSD posted to social media.